While current efforts remain focused on adopting and integrating F-16 and Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets, Ukraine is taking its first steps toward shaping what will become the future combat aviation capability of its Air Force. This is reflected in several agreements reached with European allies, such as Sweden for Gripen E fighter jets, and, more recently, the signing of a Letter of Intent with France for the potential acquisition of up to one hundred (100) Dassault Rafale fighters.
During a state visit to Paris, President Volodymyr Zelensky and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, signed a series of agreements for the provision of various equipment and systems for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Among the documents signed at Vélizy-Villacoublay Air Base, the standout was the Letter of Intent for the potential acquisition of up to one hundred new Dassault Rafale fighters—mirroring what had been done days earlier in Sweden, where the Ukrainian president signed a similar document for the purchase of up to one hundred fifty (150) Saab Gripen E fighters.
However, as noted, the acquisition remains potential in both cases, since the Letter of Intent, as repeatedly stated, is not legally binding. Instead, it lays the formal groundwork for a series of negotiations aimed at ultimately signing a purchase agreement or contract between the involved parties.
Beyond this nuance, Ukraine’s decision—and that of its military leadership—to deepen the transition of its weapons systems is significant. Despite the operational status of its current Soviet-origin combat aircraft—such as the MiG-29, Su-24, Su-25, and Su-27—these will need to be replaced in the medium term. In this context, even as progress continues on incorporating F-16 and Mirage 2000-5 fighters from European allies, the Ukrainian Air Force is already planning for its future, which could rely on either a fleet built around a single multirole platform or a mixed fleet consisting of two or more models.
The need is also driven by economic factors. Beyond the financial support received from Europe and the United States, rationalizing logistics chains through the adoption of new platforms still in production—such as the F-16, Gripen E/F, and Rafale—is intended to make resource management more efficient and effective.
For the French aircraft in particular—given that the Ukrainian Air Force operates an undisclosed number of Mirage 2000-5 fighters—the potential acquisition of the Rafale would represent a natural transition for Ukrainian pilots.
Official Statements
Marking this new step in bilateral relations between France and Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the signing of these agreements represents a “…significant, truly historic moment for both nations,” adding: “…it allows Ukraine to acquire military equipment from France’s defense industrial and technological base, including 100 Rafale F4 aircraft by 2035 for Ukrainian combat aviation, SAMP/T air defense systems, air-defense radars, air-to-air missiles, and aerial bombs.”
For his part, Macron stated: “Even if peace were signed tomorrow, this would remain essential, because the guarantee of that peace is a strong Ukrainian army, capable of holding its ground. These capabilities will make that possible.”
Agreements for New SCALP Cruise Missiles, ASTER 30 Missiles, and AASM Hammer Guided Bombs
In addition to the Letter of Intent for the Rafale F4, the agreements reached between France and Ukraine include the delivery of more SCALP cruise missiles, ASTER 30 surface-to-air missiles for SAMP/T air defense systems, as well as AASM Hammer guided bombs.
All of these weapon systems are already being used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which have even integrated them into Soviet-origin platforms—the use of SCALP missiles by Su-24 Fencer strike aircraft, and Hammer guided bombs on Su-25 and Su-27 fighters, are clear examples.
Lastly, it is understood that Ukraine will proceed with the purchase of additional SAMP/T air defense systems, of which it currently has only a limited number transferred by Italy since 2023.
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